STUDIOCANAL announces 4K restoration of indie masterpiece Leaving Las Vegas
STUDIOCANAL has unveiled a brand-new 4K restoration of Mike Figgis’s Academy Award-winning 1990s classic, Leaving Las Vegas. Following its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, the restored indie masterpiece will be released on 4K UHD and Blu-Ray on May 18, 2026.
Adapted from John O’Brien’s semi-autobiographical novel, the film is a raw, devastating portrait of addiction and loneliness. It features Nicolas Cage in his Oscar-winning role as Ben Sanderson, a screenwriter determined to drink himself to death in Las Vegas, and Elisabeth Shue as Sera, the empathetic sex worker with whom he forms a tragic bond.
A Legacy of Grit and Authenticity
Reflecting on the restoration, director Mike Figgis noted that the film was born out of a desire to engage with a "darker, more truthful reality" outside the Hollywood studio system. Despite being rejected by major studios for being "too dark," the film was produced on a modest $4 million budget and became a cultural phenomenon, grossing nearly $50 million and securing multiple Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations.
Key features of the release include:
Immersive Visuals: Shot largely on Super 16mm, the restoration preserves the film's gritty, handheld aesthetic.
Atmospheric Score: Features Figgis’s own jazz-infused compositions and the melancholic vocals of Sting.
Director’s Pride: Figgis expressed immense pride in the cast and the film's enduring legacy, stating he is "very happy to be able to share it with a new audience."
This 4K debut cements Leaving Las Vegas as a pivotal moment in American independent cinema, proving that uncompromising stories of human despair can achieve both critical and mainstream success.
We have TWO 4K COPIES on Blu-ray to give away!
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